Annual Report 2016-17

NRCA assisted 8,205 unduplicated individuals in 3,531 families alleviating their hunger and financial crises. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

NRCA’s Emergency Assistance Programs serve low-income families who are experiencing financial crises. Temporary assistance may include vouchers for utility payments, rent, medications, clothing, or gasoline for transportation to a job or medical appointment. With offices located in each of the five jurisdictions in the New River Valley, NRCA staff can help clients access the American Electric Power Neighbor-to-Neighbor and Atmos Energy utility programs. Staff and volunteers also operate six food pantries available for clients’ emergencies. Information and referrals help program participants obtain needed support from both inside and outside the NRCA network.

During 2016-17, emergency food was distributed to 4,494 individuals in 1,902 families. NRCA provided temporary financial assistance through vendor vouchers to 5,958 individuals in 2,429 families.

The NRCA Emergency Assistance Programs are supported primarily through local contributions. The United Way, foundations, faith-based organizations, civic groups, businesses, and individuals provide funds to operate the programs in each locality. Through collaboration with partner agencies and churches, duplication of services is avoided. FLOYD COUNTY BACKPACK PROGRAM During the 2016-17 school year, NRCA’s Floyd County BackPack Program provided 175 lower-income students in 93 families with supplemental food on the weekends. Child-friendly and easily consumed food is distributed weekly during the school year through Floyd County schools. Funding for the program is provided by private donors, foundations, and the Empty Bowls fundraising event.

BLACKSBURG INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY The Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry is a joint ministry of over twenty-five Blacksburg churches of various denominations; additionally, individuals and organizations provide support. Operated by over 200 dedicated volunteers, the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry offers food once a month to low-income residents or transients in Blacksburg and McCoy experiencing financial crises. During the program year 2016-17, 155 unduplicated families consisting of 346 unduplicated individuals received food. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: When an individual in need rang the bell at the NRCA Radford Emergency Assistance Program office, Leroy Robinson was there to offer a helping hand. Robinson, NRCA Community Service Worker, provided services to low-income individuals in crisis who needed help with paying bills as well as access to the pantry for food and other household products.

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James Hamlin, a local veteran in the community, was in dire need of assistance after his water heater fell through the floor of his home. His daughter reached out to New River Community Action for help. NRCA Emergency Assistance Program funds, along with donations from the Radford/Fairlawn Ministerial Association, allowed volunteer Mike Dicken, handyman in a local home repair ministry, to purchase materials needed to fix Mr. Hamlin’s home. Mr. Dicken provided the labor for free, replacing a 30-gallon electric water heater, the main water isolation valve, and the damaged floor.

www.newrivercommunityaction.org

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